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Bill

Bill

A 2653

Requires reporting of first responder suicides to DOH.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Chris DePhillips and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey law would require first responder agencies to report suicides to the Department of Health, creating state-level data on a public health crisis affecting police, firefighters, and EMTs.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2653

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2653 mandates that New Jersey first responder agencies report suicide deaths of their personnel to the Department of Health. The bill establishes a formal reporting mechanism to track and document first responder suicides at the state level, creating a centralized data collection system for this previously fragmented information.

Why is this important

First responders—including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel—experience suicide at rates significantly higher than the general population, but comprehensive national and state-level data has been limited. Creating mandatory reporting enables the state to identify trends, allocate mental health resources effectively, and implement evidence-based prevention programs. This data transparency can also inform policy decisions about workplace mental health support and peer assistance programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and stigma concerns: Families of deceased first responders may object to mandatory reporting, fearing it creates permanent records that could affect the deceased's legacy or survivor benefits eligibility
  • Reporting burden: Agencies may argue that additional administrative requirements strain already-stretched resources without clarity on how the data will be used
  • Data sensitivity and use: Questions about who accesses the data, how it's protected, and whether it could be used in ways that harm remaining officers or agencies (reputational damage, liability exposure)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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